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When to Plant Lentils in Kerr County, TX

Lentils are an ancient pulse crop producing small, lens-shaped seeds packed with protein and iron. They grow on short, bushy plants and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.

Kerr County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 3,907 feet, Kerr County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.

Kerr County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Kerr County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lentils

Lentils needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lentils Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kerr County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lentils Planting Timeline — Kerr County, TX

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 – Apr 7
Direct Sow March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 31
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Jul 28
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 – Sep 16

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

80–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

232 days in Kerr County

Growing Tips for Kerr County

Direct sow in early spring as lentils tolerate frost. Provide short supports as plants tend to lodge. Harvest when lower pods turn brown. Pull entire plants and dry in bundles.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lentils in Kerr County, TX?

Kerr County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kerr County, TX?

Kerr County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Your Kerr County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kerr County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kerr County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.